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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Ethiopia is Optimistic Thanks to You

Ethiopia had a good job at the airport; in fact, she had just been hired permanently after months of working through a temp agency. Eighteen days later, she was laid off due to COVID-19.

May 20, 2020

“I love Charlotte,” says Ethiopia. “I really do.  I think it’s a very neat city with lots of growth.  I like the diversity here.”   

And if anyone can appreciate diversity, it’s Ethiopia.  

Born in Germany to an American serviceman and an African woman, Ethiopia was named for her mother’s native country. She grew up walking the cobblestone streets of her town, admiring its thousand-year-old cathedrals. Ethiopia dreamed of becoming an architect, designing and creating beautiful buildings of her own. 

It’s a long way from that picturesque German town to a motel in Charlotte, North Carolina.   

But that’s exactly where Ethiopia finds herself today, riding out the pandemic with her eight-year-old daughter, Haleigha. The motel has been their home ever since an eviction two years ago. “What was a temporary option became permanent,” Ethiopia says, largely due to the difficulty of finding affordable housing in the Queen City. 

Still, up until a few weeks ago, they were getting by.  Ethiopia had a good job at the airport; in fact, she had just been hired permanently after months of working through a temp agency. Eighteen days later, she was laid off due to COVID-19. 

With the weekly rent due and no money coming in, homelessness loomed. Fortunately, Ethiopia was able to connect with Crisis Assistance Ministry. As Ethiopia explained in an interview with WSOC, “Crisis (Assistance Ministry) called, and that lifted that weight off my shoulders.” 

To the generous donors who made the assistance possible, Ethiopia says, “’Thank you’ says it in a nutshell, but I don’t think it conveys how grateful my daughter and I are.  They haven’t created a word for my gratitude, to be honest with you.  I think they need to update that in the English language.”   

Currently, thanks to the hard work of Legal Aid of North Carolina and other advocates, motel residents like Ethiopia are protected from eviction during the coronavirus crisis. But once the moratorium is lifted, thousands in our community will face daunting debt and an uncertain future. 

Ethiopia is optimistic. Her job is secure, she says, and her income will eventually return. Haleigha is doing fine with her virtual third-grade schoolwork, even though she misses her friends. But, Ethiopia says, “I think the question we all want an answer to, and not just a ‘we’ll get back with you’ answer, is: why is it taking so long for affordable housing to be built?” 

In addition to Charlotte’s notorious shortage of affordable rental units, Ethiopia faces another obstacle to stable housing. Even if she could find a place, paying the motel’s weekly rate makes it nearly impossible to save up for the security deposit and first month’s rent. “I wouldn’t call it inhumane,” she says about families like hers, living in motels across the city, “But it’s just unnecessary. This can be fixed.”  

 “I don’t want a handout,” Ethiopia emphasizes. “I don’t want someone to pay my bills for me. I just want the same opportunity to be able to provide for my family as anyone else.” 

Filed Under: Customer Stories Tagged With: COVID-19, crisis assistance, Crisis Assistance Ministry

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Preventing homelessness.
Preserving dignity.
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  • Main Office:
    500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
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crisisassistmin

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As we take time out this Memorial Day weekend to remember those who sacrificed on our behalf, Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed to all customers, staff, donors, and volunteers on Monday, May 29, 2023. Typical business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 30.

crisisassistmin

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This family of five signed up to provide snacks for families who seek assistance here because "everyone could contribute." 17 year old Lydia wrote messages, 13 year old Spencer washed apples, Mom packed crackers, Dad packed cookies, and 6-month-old Isaiah cheered everyone on.
With summer ahead, there will be even more need for snack packs to share with the families served here. You can find this and other volunteer opportunities on our website.

#volunteers

crisisassistmin

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Should North Carolina Implement Child Tax Credits?
Expanded federal child tax credits were a lifeline for many families during the pandemic. But those expansions have expired and aren't likely to be renewed at the federal level. North Carolina could implement its own credit to help families struggling to make ends meet. 
You can learn more about the benefits and decide what you think at the link in bio. #NCChildTaxCredit #FightPoverty #PreserveDignity

crisisassistmin

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Thank you for a fabulous National Volunteer Week! You inspire us every day with your commitment to help all of our neighbors achieve financial stability.

crisisassistmin

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As expanded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits end, hunger-fighting groups expect a surge in demand at food banks and warn that SNAP recipients may fall back into poverty. Some studies estimated that the Emergency Allotments during the pandemic reduced child poverty by 14% in 2021. This week we ask who will suffer now that these benefits have expired in North Carolina and all remaining states? (Read more through link in bio)

crisisassistmin

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Meet Ed Holland, a grandfather who gives back consistently and finds hope in helping others who are experiencing a financial crisis. In less than two minutes, hear his hopeful outlook, what fuels his community involvement, and his invitation to join the Challenge going on right now to help more families who visit Crisis Assistance Ministry for help. #DoGoodCLT #DoubleYourImpact

crisisassistmin

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Yesterday was a great day to celebrate #volunteers with so many great groups "in the house!" First up:  two sets of high schoolers from opposite sides of the Atlantic. 
📷 1 & 2:  Teens from West Charlotte HS who serve consistently, always getting stuff done in our warehouse.
📷 3:  High school students from all the way in France via Charlotte Latin School who also spent time preparing donated goods for Free Store shoppers.
We ♥️ our teen volunteers who bring so much energy to their visits here.

crisisassistmin

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Shout out to every neighbor who showed up and shared their time to help other neighbors get through a financial crisis and rebuild stability.
#volunteers #thankyou #DoGoodCLT #fightpoverty #NationalVolunteerWeek

crisisassistmin

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Crisis Assistance Ministry is excited to announce that local Charlotte leaders are coming together to help YOU double your impact this Spring.  Thanks to the generosity of Howard and Julie Levine - Howard R. Levine Foundation; Anna & Ed McMahan; and Kasey & Stuart Proffitt every contribution (up to $500K) will be matched now through May 31.
Will YOU rise to the challenge with a gift to help provide more individuals and families meet their basic needs, develop the tools to overcome financial adversity, and chart a path beyond the crisis toward financial security?

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